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Firefly Aerospace · 1 month ago

Mission Architect, Lunar and Mars

Cedar park, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

10+ years exp

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables world-class launches and operations in space. As the Mission Architect for Lunar and Mars, you will oversee mission architecture, focusing on new business efforts and supporting active programs, while collaborating with various teams to ensure technical feasibility and alignment with customer objectives.

AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead the design of early-phase lunar and Mars mission concepts, including lander configurations, payload integration, orbital and surface strategies, and overall mission architecture

Conduct high-level systems-level trade studies to evaluate feasibility, identify technical risks, and guide decisions regarding cost, mass, and performance margins

Assess mission feasibility, risks, and performance margins to ensure proposed architectures are technically robust and achievable

Generate conceptual mission designs, diagrams, mass budgets, and high-level CONOPS for internal review and proposal support

Support RFP/RFI and concept study efforts by providing technical input, mission architecture documentation, and system feasibility analyses

Collaborate with engineering teams across propulsion, avionics, structures, GNC, thermal, and software to ensure new mission concepts align with Firefly’s technical baseline

Maintain modular mission architecture templates to accelerate concept maturation and proposal responses

Identify and document technical challenges, innovative approaches, and key design drivers for new lunar and Mars mission opportunities

Provide technical input and documentation for RFPs, RFIs, white papers, and early-phase proposal efforts

Create clear, concise mission concept materials, diagrams, CONOPS, and feasibility assessments for both internal and customer-facing review

Collaborate with the Growth Director to ensure technical concepts align with customer objectives, schedules, and Firefly capabilities

Work closely with engineering teams (propulsion, GNC, avionics, software, thermal, structures) to validate assumptions and ensure conceptual designs are technically realistic

Serve as the technical liaison between the Growth Director and engineering teams during proposal and concept development

Maintain and evolve a library of modular mission architecture templates for rapid iteration across lunar and Mars missions

Identify emerging technologies, innovative approaches, and architecture strategies that enable next-generation lunar and Mars mission capabilities

Provide recommendations for future Firefly planetary vehicles, payload interfaces, and mission system improvements

Qualification

Mission architectureSpacecraft mission designSystems engineeringPayload integrationRFP/RFI supportConceptual artifacts generationCollaboration with engineering teamsTechnical documentationCommunication skillsFast-paced environment

Required

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrophysics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field

10+ years of experience in spacecraft mission design, mission architecture, or advanced space systems engineering (or equivalent experience developing mission concepts for lunar or planetary missions)

Demonstrated experience developing end-to-end mission architectures, including payload integration, lander/spacecraft configuration, orbital analysis, and surface operations

Strong background in systems engineering, including performing trade studies, mass and power budgeting, feasibility assessments, and risk identification

Experience supporting RFPs, RFIs, white papers, or early-phase proposal efforts with technical documentation

Ability to generate conceptual artifacts such as mission diagrams, CONOPS, mass budgets, and architecture packages

Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems (propulsion, GNC, avionics, structures, thermal, software) and the ability to collaborate effectively with subsystem SMEs

Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, highly iterative environment, managing multiple concept studies and deadlines

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially in translating technical concepts for customer-facing materials

Preferred

Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Planetary Science, or a related field

Direct experience with lunar missions or cislunar mission architecture development (government, commercial, or academic)

Hands-on experience with trajectory design tools or mission analysis software

Prior experience working with commercial spaceflight companies or new-space proposal cycles

Familiarity with Firefly spacecraft platforms, lander systems, or similar commercial lunar delivery systems

Experience developing or managing modular mission architecture frameworks or reusable concept libraries

Background in advanced or emerging technologies relevant to lunar exploration (e.g., autonomous landing systems, ISRU, advanced GNC, mid-size landers)

Experience acting as a technical liaison between business development and engineering teams

Strong understanding of NASA, CLPS, or international lunar mission requirements and proposal structures